Detective Wil Nesbitt Named Investigator of the Year
Robbery Detective Wil Nesbitt was today named the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigator of the Year for 2003. Chief Ronal Serpas presented Nesbitt with his certificate in a ceremony this morning.
Nesbitt received the award for his investigative work on a series of armed robberies that took place at fast food restaurants throughout Nashville between June and September of 2002. The cases were initially assigned to several detectives. Nesbitt was later asked to coordinate the investigation to streamline the police department’s efforts.
In some of the cases, the suspects left behind pieces of clothing at the robbery scenes. The state crime lab reported that DNA evidence was present in the clothing and could be matched to a suspect. Nesbitt then wrote and executed six search warrants to obtain blood and other materials from potential suspects. During one of the searches, he unexpectedly came upon a drug operation and seized several pounds of marijuana, cash and pistols.
As a result of Nesbitt’s efforts, the crime lab was able to match the DNA in the clothing to a confirmed suspect. The suspect subsequently confessed to the robbery spree, as did several other persons who were ultimately arrested.
“It took Detective Nesbitt nine months to complete this case from start to finish, but because of his meticulous work and dedication, those involved should be looking at lengthy prison sentences,”Chief Ronal Serpas said.
“Detective Nesbitt is making a difference in the safety of Nashville.”
Nesbitt, 37, will celebrate his 12th anniversary with the police department in September.